NJ Transit opens one light-rail line, damage assessment continues

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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A washout on the North Jersey Coast Line – Perth Amboy, N.J.
NJ Transit flickr

New Jersey Transit resumed operation along its River Line light-rail route at 3 p.m., Oct. 31, with trips occurring every 30 minutes between the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden and Trenton Transit Center.

However, service along the route remains suspended between Walter Rand Transportation Center and the Entertainment Center due to an ongoing power outage in downtown Camden.

NJ Transit crews continue to inspect the remaining light-rail infrastructure in order to obtain a full assessment of damage. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and Newark Light Rail service will remain suspended until further notice and there is no estimated time for resumption of service.

NJ Transit said Newark Light Rail sustained flooding in Newark Penn Station, as well as major debris damage between Newark Penn and Branch Brook Park stations. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail experienced track washouts at Port Imperial and West Side Avenue stations, as well as trees in the overhead wire in Weehawken and flooding in Hoboken.

There is also no estimated time for the resumption of NJ Transit rail service. The Rail Operations Center was engulfed in water, which damaged backup power supply systems, the emergency generator and the computer system that controls the movement of trains and power supply. Additionally, debris has damaged bridges, rail washouts occurred throughout the system, hundred of downed trees caused damage to overhead wires and signals and local power outages have prevented NJ Transit rail operations from being able to further test crossing gates and operating signals.

“Hurricane Sandy caused major damage throughout the state, leaving behind long-term mechanical and operational challenges that NJ Transit is working tirelessly to overcome. This will take time, and the blow delivered by Hurricane Sandy will continue to impact customers for days to come,” said NJ Transit.

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